Tag Archives: Bohemian Waxwing

This Week’s Highlights 4/10– 4/17/2026.

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Heading south on Friday of last week, I could not resist some quality time with the continuing King Eider on the Kittery Waterfront!


I enjoyed a weekend in Rhode Island thanks to being invited to lead a walk and speak at the Annual Meeting of the Ocean State Bird Club. Thanks to everyone there for the invitation and the great turnout! My bird of the weekend were these three continuing “Black” Brant in Providence that Jess Bishop and I caught up with on the 12th before I headed north.

Meanwhile, here in Maine, the migratory floodgates (and not just for birds!) really began to open with the warm weekend weather and conducive winds, at least to start the week. Here are my observations of note over the past 8 days (5.5 of which were in Maine):

  • 1 continuing drake KING EIDER, Oak Terrace overlook, Kittery, 4/10 (photos above).
  • I spent some time watching the Rock Row, Westbrook Peregrine Falcon nest on the 13th – much better than sitting in the waiting room of a car service center!
  • Not directly bird-related, but Jeannette and I enjoyed a productive “Big Night” in Durham on the evening of 4/14, highlighted as usual by Blue-spotted and Spotted Salamanders.
  • BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS continue to be a highlight this week – they are always a highlight for me! – around the area. About 100 on Stonewood Drive in Freeport on the 17th was my high count this week, with 35-40 here at the store at the same time. 2 were with 20 Cedars at the Walgreens on Route 1/9 in Scarborough earlier that morning. Some have been around the Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch on and off this week, and a flock of 24-30 in our property in Durham was our 156th Yard Bird!
  • 4 breeding-plumaged (FOY) Dunlin, 4 Greater with 23 Lesser Scaup, and hundreds of Black and White-winged Scoters, etc, Pine Point, Scarborough, 4/17.

My other personal “first of years” (aka “FOYs”) in Maine this week included:

  • 1 Broad-winged Hawk, Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch, 4/13.
  • 2 Ruby-crowned Kinglets, our property in Durham, 4/14.
  • 1 Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 4/15.
  • 1 Barn Swallow, Florida Lake Park, 4/15.
  • 1 Brown Thrasher, our property in Durham, 4/16.
  • 1 Field Sparrow, Cedar Pond Road, Durham, 4/16.
  • 4 Black-bellied Plovers, Pine Point, Scarborough, 4/17.
  • 1 drake Blue-winged Teal, Pelreco Marsh, Scarborough Marsh, 4/17.
  • 130+ Glossy Ibis, total in Scarborough Marsh, 4/17 (unfortunately more than half were too distant to sort through).
  • 15 Snowy Egrets, total in Scarborough Marsh, 4/17.
  • 17 Greater Yellowlegs, total in Scarborough Marsh, 4/17.

Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch is Going Strong!

The 20th year of the project began on March 15th. The quickest and clearest way to view daily reports is by clicking on the Hawkcount link contained here. Meanwhile, we will continue to post weekly summaries on the News Page of our website. Here’s the Week 4 report.

Upcoming Tours.

Birds on Tap – Roadtrip: Hawks and Hops!

***LIKELY POSTPONED from April 19, 2026 until 4/26 due to weather. Please let us know if you are interested in the new date!***

Portland Explorer (formerly Maine Brew Bus) and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are excited to continue our collaboration for 3 very special outings in 2026. 

These unique, relaxed birding and beer-ing adventures that you have come to love combine great local birding at seasonal hotspots with visits to sample the delicious creations of some of our favorite local breweries. These tours are a perfect introduction to birding and/or craft beer, and a great opportunity to travel with significant others, friends, and family that have interest in one topic, while your interest is primarily in the other (for now!). Seasonal birding hotspots and great local beer – a perfect combination, and we’ll even do all of the driving!

This brand-new itinerary takes us to the Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal in the peak of northbound raptor migration. Now in its 20th year, this research project by Freeport Wild Bird Supply tallies an average of 4,180 migrating birds of prey each spring from the summit!

After a gentle 1-mile climb through the woods, looking and listening for migrant and resident songbirds, we’ll arrive at the summit and join the project’s Official Counter. Derek will discuss the history and methodology of the project, as the counter points out migrating raptors. Derek will lead us through the basics of hawk identification to give us a hawkwatch primer, and then if the migration action allows, we’ll sit back and enjoy the show until it is time to depart (the walk down is a steep ¼ of a mile on a wide, well-worn trail with rocks and roots and some steps; hiking sticks are suggested if you use them). This is the only Hawkwatch Workshop program that FWBS will be offering this year, so this is a tour you won’t want to miss!

After about 3 hours of birding, we will be transported to two of our great local producers to sample their offerings and learn their styles. Our brewery destinations are subject to change, but the current plan is to visit Maine Beer Company and Goodfire Brewing.

This Week’s Highlights 4/4– 4/9/2026.

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Jeannette and I had a great weekend of Bohemian Waxwing quality time, including this photo session at University of Maine – Orono’s Littlefield Garden on 4/6.

Apparently, Jeannette and I weren’t ready for spring yet, as we used a few days off to go further north, back into (on those days) winter and winter birds!  Nonetheless, new arrivals are showing up regularly, and the radar on the night of 4/8-4/9 showed the first substantial migration of the season. These are my observations of note over the past 6 days.

  • 1 Rusty Blackbird, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 4/4 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS were the bird of the trip for Jeannette and I as we spent two nights in Bangor over our weekend. We started with 35 on Rte 9 in Lisbon on our drive north on 4/5 followed by a flock of 15-20 that flew by the window of Timber Kitchen and Bar in Bangor as we enjoyed a scrumptious brunch. On 4/6, we had 23 at the Littlefield Gardens on the University of Maine – Orono campus, a total of 30 at Saxl Park in Bangor, and then 38 at Essex Marsh. We were sad to not keep the streak alive as we worked our way back home the next day!
  • 3 Evening Grosbeaks, Littlefield Gardens, University of Maine – Orono, 4/6 (with Jeannette).
  • Searched the Corrina-Newport area for the Pink-footed Goose that hadn’t been reported for a few days on 4/7 and found a mere 28 Canada Geese. Plenty of migrant waterfowl on lakes and ponds, however, the highlight of which was 533 Ring-necked Ducks, etc, on Corinna Marsh (with Jeannette).

My other personal “first of years” (aka “FOYs”) this week included:

  • 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 4/4 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 1 Pied-billed Grebe, Florida Lake Park, 4/4 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 1 Swamp Sparrow, Stud Mill Road, Penobscot County, 4/6 (with Jeannette).
  • 1 Winter Wren, Northeast Penjajawoc Preserve, Bangor, 4/7 (with Jeannette).
  • 2 Hermit Thrush (FOS), Florida Lake Park, 4/8.
  • 1 Palm Warbler, Florida Lake Park, 4/8 (with Jayden Mowry).
  • 2 Chipping Sparrows, our feeders in Durham, 4/9.
  • 1 Wilson’s Snipe, Jordan School Road, Auburn, 4/9.
  • 1 Pine Warbler, Jordan School Road, 4/9.

Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch is Underway!

The 20th year of the project began on March 15th. The quickest and clearest way to view daily reports is by clicking on the Hawkcount link contained here. Meanwhile, we will continue to post weekly summaries on the News Page of our website. Here’s the Week 3 report.

Upcoming Tours.

April 19, 2026; 9:00am – 3:00pm

Portland Explorer (formerly Maine Brew Bus) and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are excited to continue our collaboration for 3 very special outings in 2026. 

These unique, relaxed birding and beer-ing adventures that you have come to love combine great local birding at seasonal hotspots with visits to sample the delicious creations of some of our favorite local breweries. These tours are a perfect introduction to birding and/or craft beer, and a great opportunity to travel with significant others, friends, and family that have interest in one topic, while your interest is primarily in the other (for now!). Seasonal birding hotspots and great local beer – a perfect combination, and we’ll even do all of the driving!

This brand-new itinerary takes us to the Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal in the peak of northbound raptor migration. Now in its 20th year, this research project by Freeport Wild Bird Supply tallies an average of 4,180 migrating birds of prey each spring from the summit!

After a gentle 1-mile climb through the woods, looking and listening for migrant and resident songbirds, we’ll arrive at the summit and join the project’s Official Counter. Derek will discuss the history and methodology of the project, as the counter points out migrating raptors. Derek will lead us through the basics of hawk identification to give us a hawkwatch primer, and then if the migration action allows, we’ll sit back and enjoy the show until it is time to depart (the walk down is a steep ¼ of a mile on a wide, well-worn trail with rocks and roots and some steps; hiking sticks are suggested if you use them). This is the only Hawkwatch Workshop program that FWBS will be offering this year, so this is a tour you won’t want to miss!

After about 3 hours of birding, we will be transported to two of our great local producers to sample their offerings and learn their styles. Our brewery destinations are subject to change, but the current plan is to visit Maine Beer Company and Goodfire Brewing.

This Week’s Highlights 3/21– 3/27/2026.

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Bill Thompson and I birded from Bowdoinham through Gardiner on Tuesday, seeking migrant waterfowl and especially Bohemian Waxwings. We hit paydirt while working the side roads in downtown Gardiner, finding a flock of 110 (with 1-2 Cedars) feeding on multiflora rose behind a parking lot on Summer Street. They were, how shall we say, cooperative. A couple of short phone videos of our experience can be seen here. Of course, the next day, 30-40 were right outside the store!

Last week I was lamenting that I have not had enough Bohemian Waxwing time this winter. Happily, that changed this week!    My BOWA-laden observations of note over the past seven days included:

  • 1 Fish Crow, Cumberland Town Landing, 3/21 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 110 Bohemian Waxwings, Summer St, Gardiner, 3/24 (with Bill Thompson; photos above).
  • 30-40 Bohemian Waxwings, eating crabapples here at the store, 3/25.
  • 5 Gadwall, Eastern Road Trail, Scarborough Marsh, 3/27.

The current weather pattern has stalled the progress of spring migrants. Nonetheless, my personal “first of years” (aka “FOYs”) this week included:

  • 1 AMERICAN GOSHAWK, Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch, 3/24.
  • 5 Wood Ducks, private property in Durham, 3/25.
  • 1 American Kestrel, Newell Brook Road, Durham, 3/26.
  • 1 Ring-necked Duck, Eastern Road Trail, Scarborough Marsh, 3/27.
  • 4 NORTHERN SHOVELERS, Eastern Road Trail, 3/27.
  • 3 Great Egrets, Scarborough Marsh, 3/27.

Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch is Underway!

The 20th year of the project began on March 15th. The quickest and clearest way to view daily reports is by clicking on the Hawkcount link contained here. Meanwhile, we will continue to post weekly summaries on the News Page of our website, which can be seen here.

Upcoming Tours.

April 19, 2026; 9:00am – 3:00pm

Portland Explorer (formerly Maine Brew Bus) and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are excited to continue our collaboration for 3 very special outings in 2026. 

These unique, relaxed birding and beer-ing adventures that you have come to love combine great local birding at seasonal hotspots with visits to sample the delicious creations of some of our favorite local breweries. These tours are a perfect introduction to birding and/or craft beer, and a great opportunity to travel with significant others, friends, and family that have interest in one topic, while your interest is primarily in the other (for now!). Seasonal birding hotspots and great local beer – a perfect combination, and we’ll even do all of the driving!

This brand-new itinerary takes us to the Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal in the peak of northbound raptor migration. Now in its 20th year, this research project by Freeport Wild Bird Supply tallies an average of 4,180 migrating birds of prey each spring from the summit!

After a gentle 1-mile climb through the woods, looking and listening for migrant and resident songbirds, we’ll arrive at the summit and join the project’s Official Counter. Derek will discuss the history and methodology of the project, as the counter points out migrating raptors. Derek will lead us through the basics of hawk identification to give us a hawkwatch primer, and then if the migration action allows, we’ll sit back and enjoy the show until it is time to depart (the walk down is a steep ¼ of a mile on a wide, well-worn trail with rocks and roots and some steps; hiking sticks are suggested if you use them). This is the only Hawkwatch Workshop program that FWBS will be offering this year, so this is a tour you won’t want to miss!

After about 3 hours of birding, we will be transported to two of our great local producers to sample their offerings and learn their styles. Our brewery destinations are subject to change, but the current plan is to visit Maine Beer Company and Goodfire Brewing.

This Week’s Highlights 3/14– 3/20/2026

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There has been an unusual amount of Brant in and around Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth over the past week, with some counts well over 100 birds. I only tallied 59 on 3/20, but enjoyed some close studies and photo ops.

Happy to be back to “normal,” I got out a few times this week in addition to spending time at the Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch. It was nice to be birding again in the north, catching up with some winter favorites before they depart. And of course, enjoying each and every new arrival. My observations of note over the past seven days included the following:

  • 1 pair Barrow’s Goldeneye, Winslow Park, Freeport, 3/14 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).

1 adult GOLDEN EAGLE (FOY), Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch, 3/15. A few details can be seen here on the daily report. 

Zane somehow managed some phone-scoped “doc-shots” of the eagle. Luckily, it was much closer when we first saw it. But even in these shots, you can see the distinct dihedral, and the relatively small head and overall shape of this magnificent bird.

  • 70 Bohemian Waxwings, 12 Evening Grosbeaks, 1 Merlin, etc, Brown’s Point Road, Bowdoinham, 3/17 (with Jeannette).
  • ~40 Bohemian Waxwings, Route 9, Pownal, 3/18.
  • 9 Razorbills, Dyer Point, Cape Elizabeth, 3/20.
  • 59 Brant, 6 Greater Scaup, 20 Purple Sandpipers, etc., Kettle Cove, Cape Elizabeth, 3/20.
  • 1 Red Crossbill and 17 Razorbills, Two Lights State Park, Cape Elizabeth, 3/20.
  • 1 adult Iceland Gull and 2 Razorbills, Trundy Point, Cape Elizabeth, 3/20.
  • 1 continuing 1st-cycle Glaucous Gull, Mill Creek Cove, South Portland, 3/20 (with Bill Thompson).
  • Pine Siskins arrived this week, with widespread small numbers around the area now. I tallied 28 northbound from the Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch during the morning of the 15th.

Other personal “first of years” (aka “FOYs”) this week included:

  • 1 American Woodcock, our property in Durham, 3/13.
  • 3 Brown-headed Cowbirds, our feeders in Durham, 3/13.
  • 1 Killdeer, Brown’s Point Road, Bowdoinham, 3/17 (with Jeannette).

Bradbury Mountain Spring Hawkwatch is Underway!

The 20th year of the project began on Sunday. The quickest and clearest way to view daily reports is by clicking on the Hawkcount link contained here.

Upcoming Tours.

March 28th or 29th.  One space has opened for this tour. Please contact us to be added to the waiting list.

This Week’s Highlights 11/6 – 11/12/2025.

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The Yarmouth MacGillivray’s Warbler has been hanging out since November 2nd, but its skulky nature makes it hard to photograph. The few fuzzy, out-of-focus photos I have obtained don’t do this gem justice, so I am “borrowing” these from Bill Thompson. Because he’s really, really good at this.

Rarity season continues, but I was a little more limited in my birding this week – other than a few “professional chases,” so I didn’t add to the roster of vagrants currently being seen. However, I did have some notable observations here and there over the course of the past seven days.

  • Sabattus Pond waterfowl on 11/7 including 341 Ruddy Ducks, 98 Green-winged Teal, 97 Lesser Scaup, 40 Greater Scaup, 6 American Wigeon, 3 Gadwalls, etc. 1 Rusty Blackbird was also present.
  • Back to Grist Mill Park for the still-continuing MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER on 11/9 with my Birds on Tap Roadtrip! “Rarity Roundup” tour. We found it within seconds of our arrival on the entrance path, foraging for the second day in a row in a patch of cultivated Pink Turtlehead.
  • 2 Fish Crows, Anniversary Park, Auburn, 11/10 (with Jeannette).
  • 1 Rusty Blackbird and 2 Red Crossbills, Florida Lake Park, Freeport, 11/12.
  • 1 BOHEMIAN WAXWING (first of fall), over the store with American Robins, 11/12.

 Recent Highlights, 4/11– 4/19/2024

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The deceiving very Little Egret-like Little Egret x Snowy Egret hybrid is back for another season on the Portland-Falmouth waterfront. Jeannette and I saw it for the first time this year at Tidewater Farm Preserve in Falmouth on the 14th. Details below.

My birding was limited during this period, unfortunately, especially considering a significant “overshooting” event from the most recent storm. Southern vagrants and some exceptionally early arrivals were detected. Unfortunately, we were out of town for the days in which most of the rarities were detected early this week. I did try to make up for it by finding something later in the week, but I struck out.

Overall feeder activity decreased as the snow receded, but we noticed an uptick in Purple Finches and Pine Siskins in our yard in Durham, along with the arrival of Pine Warblers at our feeders in Durham and here at the store. My other observations of note over the past nine days included:

  • 10 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, Farm Gate Road, Falmouth, 4/14 (with Jeannette).
  • 1 LITTLE EGRET X SNOWY EGRET HYBRID, Tidewater Farm Preserve, Falmouth, 4/14 (with Jeannette). Back for another year, this very Little Egret-like individual is a tricky and misleading ID at any distance. Luckily, it was close to the point today, providing great studies. In the photo above, you can see the very long, LIEG-like plumes. Also apparent today in comparison to a nearby SNEG was the slightly longer and thinner bill and the somewhat thinner and more elegant neck, and it did appear to be a touch larger overall. However, up close, you can see the handful of wispy, SNEG-plumes on the back of the head and neck, and in most lights, the lores gave a distinctly yellowish appearance, especially near the eye.

Additional personal first-of-years this week were limited to:

  • 1 Chipping Sparrow, feeders here at the store, 4/13.
  • 1 Field Sparrow, our property in Durham, 4/14.
  • 2 Pied-billed Grebes, Florida Lake, Freeport, 4/17.
  • 1 Broad-winged Hawk, Florida Lake, 4/17.
  • 1 Northern Mockingbird, our property in Durham, 4/18 (Yard Bird #149!).

TOURS AND EVENTS:

  1. Birds on Tap! Kick-off event at the Portland Beer Hub!

Thursday, April 25, 2024; 5:00 – 7:00pm – Portland Beer Hub – 320 Fore St. Portland, ME 04101- FREE!

Join Birding Guide and owner of Freeport Wild Bird Supply Derek Lovitch, and Brew’s Cruise owner Zach Poole, for an exclusive gathering at the Portland Beer Hub to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Birds on Tap! and kick off our new tour lineup.

During this casual meetup, guests will mingle with other bird and beer enthusiasts, discuss the exciting lineup of upcoming Birds on Tap tours, and can enjoy flights of bird-themed local beers (for purchase). 

It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of birdwatching and craft beers. For a bit of fun, be prepared for some impromptu bird trivia and birding games.

2. Feathers Over Freeport!

Saturday, April 27th at Bradbury Mountains State Park and Sunday, April 28th at Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park. All events free with park entry!

From birdwalks and a hawkwatch workshop to kids’ arts and crafts and a food truck, join us for two activity filled days in the 13th year of Feathers Over Freeport!  A full schedule of events can be found here.

Note our regularly scheduled Saturday Morning Birdwalk meets at Bradbury on the 27th.

 Recent Highlights, 3/25– 3/31/2024

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Presumably having wintered somewhat locally and recently set out in search of new food resources, this Gray Catbird was feasting on what was left of our Highbush Cranberry and Staghorn Sumac here at the store on 3/27.

After the snowfall, and especially ice, over the weekend of the 23rd-24th, a resurgence in feeder activity was widespread. Fox Sparrows seemed to be everywhere (I saw more driving around on the morning of the 26th than I sometimes see in an entire spring!), American Robins were being reported at feeders, and Dark-eyed Juncos and Song Sparrows were in every feeder and patch of bare ground. I think we can expect more of that this week, based on the current forecast!

At our feeders in Durham, some select high counts included 52 Dark-eyed Juncos on 3/25 and two Fox Sparrows 3/26 – present, 3 Purple Finches and 4 Pine Siskins on 3/31, etc. Meanwhile, at least a dozen White-throated Sparrows continue, well over our usual for the season.

Away from our yard, my observations of note over the past seven days included the following:

  • Red Crossbills continue to be widespread in small numbers.
  • 40 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, Miller Park, Lisbon, 3/26.
  • 2 RUDDY DUCKS, 21 Lesser Scaup, 6 Greater Scaup, etc, Sabattus Pond, Sabattus, 3/26.
  • 30 Northern Pintail, 2 American Wigeon, 6 Green-winged Teal, etc, Mouth of the Abagadasset River, Bowdoinham, 3/26.
  • 1 GRAY CATBIRD, yard here at the store, 3/27. Photo above.
  • 30 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, here at the store, 3/30 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 2 Red Crossbills, 1 Fish Crow, etc, South Freeport Village, 3/30 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 1 Tree Swallow (FOY), Bradbury Mountain Hawkwatch, 3/31.

TOURS AND EVENTS:

  • April 6th’s “Woodcocks Gone Wild” is currently sold out (weather date, 4/13). This year, we are requesting pre-registration for the first time, with evening-of walk-ups only if we have extra space; sorry for the inconvenience. Give us a call at the store or email us to be added to the waitlist.
  • Community Pizza Night at Maine Beer Company to support Feathers Over Freeport
  • April 17: 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
    Join us for a Community Pizza Night to benefit Feathers over Freeport. Proceeds from a raffle along with 20% of all food sales from 4-8:00 p.m. will be donated to support the annual birdwatching and nature discovery weekend hosted by the Bureau of Parks and Lands. Park and event staff will host an activity & information table and be on hand to answer questions about birding, the Hawk Watch, and Feathers Over Freeport. Location: Maine Beer Company, in the Tasting Room, 525 US-1, Freeport, ME 04342.

We got underway for the 18th season on Friday, March 15th. Zane Baker, back for his record-shattering 6th season, kicked things off with two triple-digit counts in the first three days of the season.

Daily counts will be posted to Hawkcount.org and the BirdHawk listserve, while weekly summaries will be posted to the News Page of our website.

Recent Highlights, 2/8 – 2/14/2024

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This Northern Hawk-Owl has been present for a while in Piscataquis County where it has been seen by many. Jeannette finally took a ride up to see it on the 12th, making our “weekend” out of it.

I enjoyed a great week of birding, both locally and with a trip to north-central Maine. Winter irruptives  and the first migrants of spring were among my many highlights over the last seven days.

  • 1 Hermit Thrush, North River Road, Auburn, 2/8.
  • 1 continuing female Red-breasted Merganser, Lincoln St Waterfront Park, Lewiston, 2/8.
  • 5 Northern Pintails (FOY), Flying Point Preserve, Georgetown, 2/9.
  • 1 hen COMMON EIDER SSP. BOREALIS and 1 pair BARROW’S GOLDENEYES, Winslow Park, Freeport, 2/10 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 1 continuing NORTHERN HAWK-OWL and 1 Northern Shrike, Piscataquis County, 2/12 (with Jeannette). Photo above.
  • 1 Northern Shrike, County Road, Milford, 2/13 (with Jeannette).
  • 100+ BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS (FOY), downtown Old Town, 2/13 (with Jeannette).
  • 140 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS and 1 NORTHERN FLICKER (great winter bird away from the coast!), Riverside Park, Veazie, 2/13. Waxwings relocated on Thompson Road where we enjoyed an immersive photo session!
  • 1 Northern Shrike, Gustafson Rd, Clinton, 2/13 (with Jeannette).
  • 1 male Red-winged Blackbird (first of spring), here at the store on 2/14. Arrived on 2/12 – one of our earliest records here.
  • Scattered Turkey Vultures and increasing reports of prospecting migrant flocks suggests I will forgo Turkey Vultures on the highlights list for the next 9-10 months already!

TOURS AND EVENTS:

Please join me on Thursday, February 29th at Maine Beer Company to celebrate the release of the completely revised 2nd Edition of Birdwatching in Maine: The Complete Site Guide! 

This Week’s Highlights: January 13-17, 2023.

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A remarkable bird for Maine, let alone in under-birded (away from Sabattus Pond anyway) Androscoggin County, I was privileged to be able to visit this Harris’s Sparrow on private property in Turner on the 13th, the day after we returned from vacation. It was most cooperative, being constantly in view for the 35 minutes I was there. Unfortunately, it was a dark and dreary morning, so my photos leave something to be desired!

A few observations of note over the past five days as I tried to squeeze in as much birding as I could before I undergo shoulder surgery included the following. Even if I missed the Livermore Falls Townsend’s Solitaire twice (darn it), it was a very productive week, headlined by my second Harris’s Sparrow in Maine (and one of my favorite sparrows, too!).

  • 1 female Barrow’s Goldeneye, Bernard Lown Peace Bridge, Lewiston/Auburn, 1/13.
  • 1 adult Iceland Gull, North River Road boat launch, Auburn, 1/13.
  • 1 continuing HARRIS’S SPARROW (present since 1/11), private property in Turner, 1/13 (photo above).
  • 1 Pine Grosbeak (first of season), Hillman Ferry Road, Livermore Falls, 1/13 (did not find the Townsend’s Solitaire that day, unfortunately).
  • 2 drake BARROW’S GOLDENEYES, between Winslow Park and the Harraseekett Yacht Club, South Freeport, 1/14 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 8 Black-legged Kittiwakes, Short Sands Beach, York, 1/15 (with Down East Adventures Winter Waterbirds Workshop group).
  • 1 adult Iceland Gull, The Nubble, York, 1/15 (with Down East Adventures Winter Waterbirds Workshop group).
  • 374!!! BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, Pearl Road, Turner, 1/16 (with Jeannette). Photo below.
  • 1 female Green-winged Teal and 1 1st-winter Iceland Gull, Mill Creek Cove and Park, South Portland, 1/17.

A very small portion of the 374 Bohemian Waxwings that Jeannette and I counted on Monday in Turner. It was a big week for Androscoggin County!

This Week’s Highlights, 3/5-11, 2022.

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The photo of the week was this cute and cuddly Porcupine from Stud Mill Road on 3/6.

It was another busy week of birding for me! And it was another great week of birding, with the vanguard of spring migration coupled with lots of winter specialties still around – and a lot more finches! Turkey Vulture, Red-winged Blackbird, and Common Grackle numbers were slowly increasing by week’s end.  Scattered Pine Siskins are now reaching the coastal plain (from the north, west, or south?). My observations of note over the past seven days were as follows:

  • 1 drake Northern Pintail, Wolfe’s Neck Center, Freeport, 3/5 (with Saturday Morning Birdwalk group).
  • 3+ Lapland Longspurs with 100+ Snow Buntings and 40+ Horned Larks, Flood Farm, Clinton, 3/6 (with clients from Texas).
  • ~35 BOHEMIAN WAXWINGS, Stillwater Avenue, Orono, 3/7 (with clients from Texas).
  • Sunkhaze NWR/Stud Mill Road finch report (from a few hours in the pm on 3/6 and two hours in the early morning on 3/7 (with clients from Texas):

Pine Siskins: many hundreds, including numerous flocks of 50-75+

Purple Finches and American Goldfinch: scattered small numbers; groups up to 10-12.

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS: Scattered individuals and small groups including one cluster of 4+ singing males.

Red Crossbills: Scattered individuals and one small group of 8. No recordings were successfully obtained.

Common Redpoll: One flock of 60-75; a few singles with other finches.

  • 1 first-winter Iceland Gull and 1 drake Lesser Scaup, Auburn Riverwalk, 3/10.